"One of our biggest concerns is playing time for English players, shown by a number of the squad that came with us to Russia not getting opportunities to play. More concerning is that young players that may be coming through to challenge are not getting opportunities to play.

"The missing piece is this transition from youth football to senior football.

"There is still this link between 17 to 21 where the bridge into first-team football and the financial power of the Premier League has a big impact.

"I think it's worth us having that debate and getting people around the table to discuss that missing piece. If players are as good as any young players around the world, then that opportunity needs to be there.

"If we are encouraging young players about entering academies, we are selling them the dream and there's an ethical element there too."

Southgate also expressed his worry at the number of goalkeeping options available to him, especially with Jack Butland having dropped into the Championship with Stoke City.

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"There are four or five maximum still playing in the Premier League," he added.

"Obviously Jack has dropped into the Championship and he's now going to have a challenge to stay in the squad.